Duke Announces 2026 Preseason Schedule
Duke University's men's basketball program has released its 2026 preseason slate, a three‑game exhibition schedule that pits the Blue Devils against Belmont, the University of Tennessee and the University of Kansas. The announcement comes as the team looks to extend a remarkable run that saw them finish the previous season with a 35‑3 record and a 26th Elite Eight appearance, only to fall to UConn in the final.
The first matchup will take place on October 8 at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where Duke will host Belmont. The game will feature former Duke assistant Evan Bradds, now leading the Bruins, adding a personal storyline to the contest. Historically, the two schools have met just three times, with Duke holding a 2‑1 edge from victories in 2007 and 2011‑12.
Historic Rivalries Reawaken
Belmont arrives in Durham after capturing the Missouri Valley Conference regular‑season title and finishing the 2025‑26 campaign with a 26‑6 record. Under Bradds' guidance, the Bruins have established themselves as a mid‑major powerhouse, and his return to Duke’s court promises a nostalgic clash for longtime fans.
A week later, on October 20, Duke will welcome Tennessee for its second preseason test. The Volunteers finished the prior season at 25‑10, reached the Elite Eight and earned a No. 12 final poll ranking. The Blue Devils hold a 7‑6 all‑time series lead over Tennessee, including a 2‑2 record in games played in Durham.
Duke and Tennessee met a year ago in a preseason exhibition that ended 83‑76 in Duke’s favor, and the upcoming meeting will be the first time the two programs square off on the same court since that contest. The Volunteers' recent success adds another layer of intrigue to the schedule.
The preseason will conclude with a trip to Lawrence on October 25, where Duke will face Kansas. The Jayhawks posted a 24‑11 record in the last season and will provide a test against a program that Duke has faced only once in regular‑season play, a 74‑70 overtime victory in 1988. Historically, Duke holds a 9‑7 advantage in the all‑time series against Kansas.
Beyond the individual matchups, the schedule is framed by a broader narrative of continuity and ambition. After a season that ended with a narrow loss in the Elite Eight, the Blue Devils are eager to build on that foundation, integrate new transfers such as Drew Scharnowski, and maintain the momentum that has defined their recent campaigns.